A rugby coach said he almost broke down in tears when he found out his job as a hub officer would end.
Last month the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced funding for its community hub programme would be "discontinued" in a bid to save £5m.
About 30,000 children have benefited from the scheme which has been part-funded by the WRU and schools since 2014.
Joshua Phillips, 23, who is a hub officer in Rhondda Cynon Taf, said he "struggled" to come to terms with the union's decision when he learned about it through media reports.
The union has promised an improved offer for grassroots rugby but said the details of its restructure would be unveiled in due course.
About 100 regional hub officers work with school age children and community clubs to grow junior rugby.
Since the WRU made its announcement in April, more than 4,500 people have signed a petition calling for the hub programme to be saved.
